Dear Editor,

The increase in violence in schools is not a new phenomenon in the Jamaican school system. Although the number of occurrences may fluctuate over the years, a solution is needed.

Whilst researching, I observed that the last time the Ministry of Education Security and Safety Policy Guidelines was updated was in 2015. I stand to be corrected if a recent one had been published.

According to the Jamaica Information Service, as at 2014 the Safe Schools Programme, an initiative by the ministries of national security, health, education, along with other non-governmental organisations, was implemented in 174 schools. I commend the initiatives, but where are they now? However, the case may be that the Government should implement a structured school resource officer system as well as update the Security and Safety Policy Guidelines.

Countries worldwide suffer from school-based violence. It is nothing new. It’s like a pandemic. However, just a few countries have implemented an efficient school resource officer (SRO) system. The success rate is based on the level of consistency from the Government. With that said, I believe that if Jamaica implements an SRO system, the occurrence of school-based violence will be dramatically reduced.

No more should schools rely on the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which is short on staff, to effectively visit schools to ensure safety. Although many schools have security officers and the long-time “guardy” system to search for weapons and drugs, how effective has that system been? A proper system is needed.

The SROs should form a trained uniform core, with rules and guidelines on how to carry out their tasks in a school environment. They should have the power of a special district constable that will allow them to search students and parents coming on to the school compound. They should be equipped with batons and handcuffs that will assist in restraining unruly students. This system should be supervised by an assistant superintendent of police in charge of the Community Safety and Security Branch of each division and the divisional head in charge of schools within the various regions.

A surveillance system should be installed on the school compound. In addition, the number of SROs allocated to each school should be determined after a risk assessment. Students and parents and every vehicle, even the patty delivery van, should be scanned for any form of offensive weapons. A monthly report should then be forwarded to the Minister of Education and the JCF’s divisional commander by the principal of each institution. This will allow further adjustments to be made as well as allow for the implementation of mechanisms to establish a smooth operation. They should also use this initiative as an opportunity to remind children to stay out of gangs.

The reality is that teachers and students need to be safe in order for learning to take place. The school should be known as a safe environment, parents should not be at work worrying about the safety of their children. We need a system that is efficient and effective. This system should be implemented in all schools, and not just some.

I believe that if this system is implemented, school-based violence will be dramatically reduced and our system will be copied by many countries who will admire our success rate.

Chevaugn Robinson

chevaugnrobinson@yahoo.com